Kanchi Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram
· Summer: March-May (21°C - 36°C)
· Winter: December-February (19°C - 28°C)
· Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time: 05:30 a.m.
Closing Time: 09:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 04:00 p.m.)
Weekly Holiday:
Entry Fees for Indians
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Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
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Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, better known as Kamakshi Amman Temple, is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Kamakshi (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati or Shakti) who performed tough penance at the site to please Lord Shiva. Apart from its religious significance, the temple is also famed for its architectural brilliance that boasts of exquisite sculptures and adornments.
The main idol has Goddess Kamakshi sitting in a yogic posture called Padmasana with four arms holding sugarcane bowl, lotus flowers, a lasso and a goad. The deity is worshipped in three forms, Sri Kamakshi, Sri Bilahasam and Sri Chakra inside the sanctum sanctorum (called Gayatri Mandapam) which has a spellbinding golden vimana (tower) at the top. Surrounding the main shrine are the idols of other deities like Ayyappan, Saraswati, Roopalakshmi, Arupalakshmi and others. It is a firm belief that presenting red kumkum to Arupalakshmi can fulfil one’s wish.
The temple has four entrances, halls with ornamented pillars and a holy temple tank. Indescribable pace and mysticism reside inside the temple which is also a popular venue for numerous festivals round the year.
Connectivites
Road:
The temple is located close to the main bus station of Kanchipuram and has impressive road connectivity with most of the towns and cities of Tamil Nadu. NH4 connecting Chennai and Bangalore passes close to the city. State transport buses and taxis are the most convenient modes to access the temple.
Railway:
Less than 2 km. from the temple is Kanchipuram Railway Station. The small distance after getting down from the train can be covered in a cab or an auto-rickshaw.
Airway:
Chennai International Airport with numerous domestic and international connections is about 62 km. from the temple. Hire a taxi from the airport to reach the temple hassle-free.